I Needed a Leg to Stand On

"Matt, New amputees (like I was) don't know what to expect or if their limitations are real. Please pass this on so others can learn from my experiences. :)" - Ted Jackson

I Needed a Leg to Stand On

I'm writing this in an attempt to explain the difference between my original prosthetic leg and my new prosthetic leg. Just under two years ago my left leg was amputated below my knee. Due to certain circumstances, I am what is considered a short BK amputee. To complicate matters a bit more my tibia is shorter than my fibula by about an inch to an inch and a half. After recovering from surgery my doctor said I was finally ready for prosthetic leg and I scheduled an appointment. I received my prosthetic leg about 3 months after my amputation surgery. The leg was fitted with locking pin device, so that I wore a liner outfitted with a pin and then would slide that into my leg. After a few clicks, I would then be locked in a ready to be mobile. Other than having to fight with my liner in order for the pin to slip into the hole everything seemed to be okay. I was thrilled to be up and walking again.

Although I was walking, I was still experiencing pain with every step I made. I visited my prosthetist several times in an attempt to be pain free. On my last visit, I was told that because of my complications listed above there wasn't anything else that could be done. I assumed that pain must be a part of my life as an amputee. After suffering for more than a year, I decided to seek medical advise regarding potential revision surgery to my leg. The pain had become both physically and emotionally draining. The doctor decided that revision surgery would probably be necessary. He suggested that I get an opinion from another prosthetist before we went ahead with revision surgery.

I scheduled an appointment with Matt Bailey LPO. After talking to Matt, I was relieved to find out that surgery could be avoided. Matt was amazing and his enthusiasm contagious. Not only did Matt think he could relieve some pain, he also thought he would be able to have me playing sports again. Sports??? I had given up on sports. I was just hoping to be able to finish a work shift without blood in the bottom of my liner. Needless to say, I was enthusiastic about having Matt and his team make a new leg for me.

After much work and several prototypes later, I saw Matt for my new leg. Wow! Amazing! Unbelievable! Life Changing! These are a few of the words that just begin to describe how my new leg feels. We all have heard the cheesy line Tom Cruise is famous for in Jerry McGuire: "you complete me!" This is how I feel when wearing my new leg. It completes me! For the past two years, every step I took I was reminded that my leg had been cut-off. I had completely given up on the idea of ever playing soft-ball again. I strapped on my new leg and in less than thirty seconds my competitive juices were flowing again. I couldn't even fathom the idea of ever running again! Two minutes after entering the parking lot, I was jogging! There is no longer a doubt in my mind that I will play soft-ball again!

I hope this letter helps people to understand the difference between an average prosthesis and a great prosthesis! The whole staff at Matt's office is amazing and they all treat each patient as a member of their family. I didn't even mention the fact that they so generously donated a very expensive foot to my cause. I am forever grateful to Bette, Scott, & Matt for changing my life and making me feel complete again!